Vintage shopping holds the thrill of finding unique and rare items. It's about discovering something that has been lost to time, only to be rediscovered by you. The best part about vintage shopping is that it can be done anywhere, from your local thrift store to a flea market on the other side of town or even online!

Vintage items are often more expensive than their modern counterparts because they are harder to find and required more effort to produce. In addition, many people prefer older styles over newer ones but with some research and patience you can score a great deal on a quality vintage piece.

Quality Matters

When shopping for vintage items, quality should be your top priority. Be sure to carefully inspect each item for any damage such as wear and tear, cracks, or missing pieces. Pay particular attention to handles, as they are often prone to cracking and breaking. When examining glass items, it's important to run your finger along the edges to detect any chips, as they can be difficult to spot, especially in crystal. By taking the time to thoroughly inspect each item, you can ensure that you're investing in high-quality, long-lasting vintage pieces.

Rarity

If you're searching for a specific vintage item, keep an eye out for one-of-a-kind pieces. These rare and unique finds are often more valuable than mass-produced items. By investing in a rare vintage piece, you not only add a unique touch to your collection but also potentially increase its value over time. I shop for vintage items all the time, like every weekend and sometimes through out the week. While I have a number of more 'common' items in my shop what I'm really looking for are the things I've never seen. The odd, unique pieces. Things that are fun to research, fun to look at.

Authenticity

The most important thing to do when shopping for vintage items is to do your research. When you're buying an item that's been around for decades, it's likely that there will be a lot of information out there about its history and previous owners.
If you can find out who owned the item before you and what they did with it, this can give you insight into how much wear the piece has seen over time.
Another great way to get an idea about authenticity is by asking questions directly from sellers on sites like eBay or Etsy: "How old do think this piece is?", "Where was it made?" and "Who made this?" are good ones! Most sellers provide this information in their listings if they have it but it never hurts to ask for more detail.

I recently had a customer ask me if a musical jewelry box had a history. I didn't have access to the history and I told her that. She purchased it and gave it to her friend. Soon after she let me know that her friend put a picture of her grandmother in it and plays the music often. The box now has a sweet emotional history.

Style

While you're shopping for vintage items, it's important to consider their style. Is the item a good match for your home decor? 
If you have no idea what type of style you want in your home, take some time to look through magazines and websites that feature interior design ideas. This will give you an idea of what styles are popular right now and which ones might be worth investing in down the road. Consider who you are as a person. Is your taste tradional? Modern? Ecelectic? Do you like dark colors, light colors? The fun part about decorating is that you can make each room feel different simply by changing the items in it. 

My personal style is all over the place as I like to have every room in the house to feel different. For example my living room right now is warm and inviting with accent lighting, stained glass lamps and comfortable furniture. The dining room is an extension of the living room with a twist. My dining room table is a Duncan Phyfe mahogany table which is dark but I also have a curio cabinet and grandfather clock that are oak in color. The curio cabinet holds vintage black glass I collect and a peirrot clown. I have masquarade masks hanging on the wall next to the grandfather clock. My office is brighter with yellow walls and porcelain clowns on swings hanging on the walls. In the entryway there is an alcove that is headed in the direction of art nouveau with flowing greenery and vintage vases. Someone once asked me if I wanted to live in a musuem and the answer is "Yes, I guess I do". However, if a piece is usable I will use it because what fun is having all these unique things if can't use them?

Price

Compare prices. When you're shopping for vintage items, it's important to compare prices and look for deals and discounts. You may be able to find the same item at a lower price elsewhere.

Look for deals and discounts online or in stores before buying an item--even if you think it's perfect! If you can get a better deal somewhere else, do so! Tools such as google lens are very useful for this.

Patience

The best way to shop for vintage items is to be patient. Don't rush into anything, and take your time looking around at different shops and stores. If you're buying something online, make sure that the seller has good reviews and a lot of positive feedback from other buyers. It's also important to check the return policy before making any purchases so that if something goes wrong with your order (or even if it doesn't), you'll know what options are available for getting a refund or replacement item shipped out quickly.

Conclusion

To uncover the best vintage treasures, it's crucial to prioritize both quality and rarity. Look for items that are in excellent condition and built to last, even if it means passing on cheaper, but poorly made alternatives. When browsing through thrift stores or flea markets, keep an eye out for pieces that feature unique details like intricate embroidery. Special touches can add value to an otherwise ordinary item of decor. Additionally, consider the potential market for the item - would it appeal to a specific type of buyer who would be willing to pay a premium price? If so, it may be worth investing in, but always make sure to purchase from reputable sellers and keep receipts handy for future reference. With a discerning eye and a bit of luck, you can uncover the best vintage gems.

If you're searching for anything in particular I welcome you to let me know what it is and how much you are willing to pay for it. I keep an active list of things I'm looking for and if I come across your item you'll be the first to know.